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Ask Pr. Sophie
Abstract: More advice about theology and Lutheran Etiquette from Pr. Sophie Fortresson. This week: Is it okay to take my gay dog on the confirmation camping trip?
Pr. Sophie Fortresson has graciously consented to answer questions from our readers and offer advice about matters ranging from theology to Lutheran etiquette. Send your question to pr_sophie@lutheranconfessions.com.
Dear Pr. Sophie, I think my dog is gay, and I am concerned about taking him with on the confirmation camping trip because it might send the wrong message to the class. I mean I really love this dog even though he's gay but if the church won't welcome gay people, I am pretty sure they won't be too happy about my gay dog either. What should I do? Also, my mom's pastor preached a sermon a couple of weeks ago that I think was about gay people and the church, and he used the word "abomination" a lot- now my mom won't go to church any more - should I worry about this? ~ E.M., Vermont
Dear E.M., Well, my dear, that certainly is a load of woe, but you have done the right thing in asking Pr. Sophie. I must confess right away that Pr. Sophie is a cat person and might not be the best source of advice about your gay dog. On the other hand, what is seminary training all about if not empathy?
So: Pr. Sophie thinks that in most cases, it's just fine to take a gay dog on the confirmation camping trip, especially since you are so fond of the dog. Pr. Sophie does recommend caution, however: does your gay dog have any disagreeable habits (flatulence, for example) that might reflect poorly on other gay dogs? Pr. Sophie would think twice before taking a farting gay dog on a confirmation trip. That might actually be an abomination, especially if your confirmation class is predisposed to believe that all gay dogs are flatulent.
And, of course, the same thing applies to your mother's pastor: Pr. Sophie thinks he must be a closet farter to go on at such great length about abomination. You and your mother must judge for yourselves whether you have the patience to help this pastor work through his homophobia by coming to terms with his flatulence. If that is not your calling, do not worry: there are many fine pastors out there who are not afflicted with chronic flatulence.
